IT IS UNFORTUNATE WE HAVE A DEVILISH SOCIETY —EKWEREMADU

[Ibadan]–Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a third consecutive Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, has said it is unfortunate that the country is occupied by a devilish society as a result of the high level of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of the country.

He said this while delivering the 4th National Public Service Lecture of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association on March 03, 2017.

The lecture which was titled, “Federalism and the Legal Framework for Combating Corruption in Nigeria”, took place at the Trenchard Hall in the nation’s premier institution.

Ekeweremadu after thanking all those who graced the occasion said that Nigeria is a project of everybody and as such, everyone has a role to play in ensuring her success. He admitted that Nigeria has over the years acted like she is not operating a federal system of government which is a problem hindering her development.

“We are here to look at another perspective on the fight against corruption…we have pretended as if we are not running a federal system. Until we federate the fight against corruption, we will continue to have problem”, he said.

He mentioned that with the huge rate of corruption in the country, it will not be wrong to ask whether corruption is natural in our DNA or inherited in our culture. The factors responsible for the continuous growth of corruption in the country in the country according to him include; “loss of values and insufficient reorientation programme on morality and values; the culture of kickback; weak legal system; absence of fiscal federalism; lack of societal safety net for the aged; social safety net built around the extended family system; and over-centralisation of the anti-corruption efforts.”

He added that while the government over the years has adopted ‘military coups; long prison terms by military tribunals; setting up of anti-graft agencies; provisions in the Criminal Code and Penal Code; reorientation; media trial and anti-corruption campaigns;” in curbing corruption, they have been unable to find lasting solution to the problem.

To this effect, he suggested; “Decentralization of federal anti-corruption agencies; establishment of state anti-corruption agencies; Domestication of anti-graft laws; Fiscal; federalism; Decentralised policing; State orientation agencies; State social intervention/security schemes; State prisons; Economic reforms; and Public participation in the anti-corruption war”, as the solutions to the problem.

The event which was anchored by the UI Director, Directorate of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo witnessed the presence of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, but represented by the Deputy VC, Prof. Ambrose Aiyelari; the University Registrar, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Festus; the immediate past deputy VC (academic) of the University, Prof. Gbemisola Oke; Prof. Oluwafunke Gbemiloye; Sen. Teslim Folarin; first qualified Africa Physiotherapist, Abayomi Oshin; National President UI Alumni Association, Dr. Kemi Amina; Sen. Ridwan Adesoji; Prof. Aderemi Raji; Prof. Bisi Balogun, among others.

After the lecture, the Deputy Senate President was conferred the title of honorary membership of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, giving him equal right and privileges of the association.

It should also be noted that the 3rd public service lecture of the association was delivered in 2015 by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State on the topic: Good Governance As A Catalyst For Development: The Delta State Experience.